23RD EDITION OF VOICE OF THE MIMBARR: REMINISCING JUNE 13- 1' IN NIGERIA DEMOCRACY; ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVES- BY DR. RAZAQ BOLAWAYE

 20-11-1444AH / 09-06-2023 CE

In the name of Allah the Beneficent the Merciful.

The last edition placed before us herculean tasks awaiting the leadership of the new administration in Nigeria. Notable among them is pacifying various voices in a bid to galvanize un-alloyed support for the task of rebuilding the nation. 'June 12' assume the center stage of the Nigeria Democracy.

Recalling the unquantifiable challenge faced by the nation soon after 1993 general election which was not only annulled but also thrown into the dust-bin of history by the Military Junta. The Newsprints headlines were inundated with frightening and horror news. To place on record some of the nasty caption of the misdeeds of the Junta, the following suffice. 'Blood, Tears, Sorrow; Casualties of the Campaigns against Military Escalates.' In another instance, 'Arrest, Jail, Dead' and 'The Dead, The Jailed, The Exiled' prominently featured in the print media. Most of the media products were confiscated at gun-point with personnel subjected to humiliation, torture and death. Most media house almost went oblivion and the few remaining others in their shadow.

Thirty years later, it is rather ironical that one of the personalities who went on self-exile at the instance of the Junta emerged as the President and Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria. This calls for joy though, a herculean task await retrospective attention. Holiday in commemoration of June 12 anniversary has come to stay nation-wide and this should be meant to pray fervently for the repose of soul of the Democracy Icons i.e Late M.K.O Abiola, his late wife and others on one hand, and the sustenance of the nation. 

The task of rebuilding Nigeria is enormous. The leadership at this moment must address itself to some necessities including but not limited to: i. Taking everything not with levity in matters affecting the nation.  ii. Taking responsibilities for all that happens and not blaming others for flaws. iii. More of action than mere talking alone. iv. Walking the talk at all time even though delegation of power is imminent. v. Maximum economic recovery. vi. Revolutionized Agricultural input for food security, and vii. Pacifying most of the wounds across the six  geo-political zones.

These form the forums of dynamic development Nigerians are looking for fron the new administration. For this to be achieved, the leadership has a lot to learn from Islamic point of view. To this end, the Glorious Qur'an 39:22 reads: "Is one whose heart Allah has opened to Islam, so that he has received light from Allah, (No better than one hard-hearted)? Woe to those hearts hardened against the remembrance of Allah! They are manifestly wandering (in error)! _Ceteris_ Paribus_, Qur'an 28:77 categorically declares: "But seek, with the (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on you, the home of the hereafter, nor forget your portion in this world: but do you good, as Allah has been good to you, and seek not (occasions for) mischief in the land: for Allah loves not those who do mischief.

From the above Qur'an portions, it is evident that   there is no bad leader in the horizon but incorrigible follower-ship make more impact on the system. Stemming the tide around governance dictates the direction of progress and development.

Till we meet again next week, thank you and remain blessed.

IMAM DR. RAZAQ BOLAWAYE UTHMAN

Missioner Ansar-Ud-Deen Society Ipaja Branch Lagos State

- Nigeria